UK cousin of Israeli hostage tells of family’s agony

The British cousin of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza has described his family’s ongoing anguish ahead of a milestone update on the fate of the remaining captives this weekend. 

Adam Ma’anit, who’s from Brighton and is digital communication officer at the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told The Standard podcast they are hoping for news very soon about Tsachi Idan, who is among 94 remaining hostages.

Idan, a 50-year-old IT worker, was dragged away from his kibbutz home after his 18-year-old daughter, Maayan, was shot dead by a Hamas gunman in the October 7 terror attacks over 15 months ago.

A phased ceasefire deal has seen the first three hostages released, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Idan is listed among 33 captives set to be freed, but the family say they are “living day to day” awaiting firm news.

It comes amid a spike in antisemitic attacks and shortly before Holocaust Memorial Day.

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